Luncheon Club

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It had long been felt by the Forum’s Community Services Committee that the Meals on Wheels service previously run by North Yorkshire County Council within the Osgoldcross area could once again be revitalised to provide hot meals for the elderly.  Discussions did take place but unfortunately this was not to be so plan B was discussed at a Community Services Committee meeting held at Womersley Village Hall on 11 June 2012.  It was resolved that Mike Bray and Eric Beechey should investigate potential venues for a luncheon club in the local vicinity.  A meeting was held with Mrs Sue Papworth who runs The Manor in Kellington along with her husband, Andrew.  This took place on the 19th June and it was agreed with Sue Papworth that a luncheon club would be launched on Friday 14th September and that the Forum would be responsible for advertising this function.  It would consist of a 2 course meal with a choice of three meat/fish dishes and three sweets, all for £4.

The Forum were absolutely blind as far as predicted numbers were concerned and it came as quite a relief when thirty six people turned up to the event.  It really went down well and there was obvious enthusiasm for this to become a monthly gathering on each second Friday in the month.  It was also agreed that a raffle and a bingo session should be held and that residents living in the Eggborough area would be transported free of charge to The Manor using one of the Forum’s buses.
 

The following month forty eight people took advantage of the luncheon club and it now became a permanent activity.
 

Over the next three years the number of attendees at the luncheon club would average forty plus persons.  However, in late 2014 a price increase of fifty pence was agreed by members in order to make the luncheon club sustainable.  This was followed by a reduction in menu choices so it was felt that a change of venue was an appropriate action.
 

An approach was made to the Horse and Jockey in Eggborough.  As most members lived in the village it was thought that this would be more appropriate and within easy walking distance of the venue.  Once again it was a two course meal but this time it was in the form of a carvery.  There was a choice of three meats (as much as you wanted) and a self-service vegetable counter.
 

The first meal consisted of pork, beef and/or chicken with assorted vegetables which included mashed and roasted potatoes, cauliflower cheese, green beans, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, brussel sprouts and a whole array of condiments.  The sweet course was a choice of cherry crumble or rhubarb crumble (or a bit of both).  Linda and her husband (who is a brilliant cook) have made us extremely welcome.  It looks as though the Forum luncheon club at this venue is now well established and looked forward to be so many of our more elderly residents.  As one of our participants said, "This is the best value for money you could ever wish for."  
 

The Forum agrees with her.

As the Luncheon club demand grew a decision was taken to move to a larger venue, the luncheon club is now held at The Cobbler, 2 Knottingley Road, Pontefract, WF8 2LG . All newcomers are welcomed with open arms. The more the merrier. Guests can enjoy a carvery, raffle and a game of bingo if they desire and enjoy the company of the many attendees in a warm and secure environment, transport can also be arranged if required.

Please contact Eric Beechey or David Nicklin on 01977 607242 for more information. 

Alternatively you can email info@osgf.co.uk or fill in the simple form on the 'Contact Us' tab of this website.

Last, but certainly not least, the Forum would like to thank Mrs Ann Wood of Eggborough for the vital role she plays each month in order that the luncheon club operates smoothly.

**THE LUNCHEON CLUB IS TEMPORARILY ON HOLD**